Brissett started against the Texans after Jimmy Garoppolo went down in Week 2 against the Dolphins. Garoppolo, of course, was filling in for Tom Brady during his four-game suspension for Deflategate.

Rapoport added that the Patriots will likely sign a free agent quarterback:

The Patriots face Rex Ryan and Bills one week from Sunday in the final game before Brady's return. Unless Garoppolo is healthy enough to start, the Patriots will have no choice but to start whichever QB they end up signing. The alternative is to start wide receiver Julian Edelman at quarterback.

Garoppolo was inactive on Thursday night. Edelman last played quarterback eight years ago, in college at Kent State, and served as the backup on Thursday.

Against the Texans on Thursday, Brissett completed 11 of 19 passes for 103 yards. He added 48 yards rushing, and a touchdown.